WINONA LAKE, Ind. - The 2023-24 season officially came to a close on Thursday for Grace's women's tennis team.
In the season finale, the Lancers battled against Oakland City, a team who is currently receiving votes in the NAIA Top 25 Coaches' Poll.
Grace gave the Mighty Oaks a battle before ultimately falling 5-2. Grace ends the year under first-year head coach Emily Ackerman with a strong record of 13-6.
Grace's 13 wins mark the third-most victories in a single season in program history.
The Lancers got off to a quick start by taking the doubles' point. Jimena Ramirez and Alejandra Sandoval won convincingly 6-2 at No. 2 doubles.
Lydia Ruegsegger and Geraldine Salinas secured the doubles' point with a narrow 7-5 victory at No. 1 doubles.
In singles, Ramirez was the sole Lancer to collect a victory. Ramirez battled from behind to win in three sets at the top singles' court.
The Mighty Oaks won the remaining singles' matchups to earn the win.
The future is bright for the Lancers as Grace will return the majority of its squad for next season.
DOUBLES
1. Ruegsegger/Salinas (GC) def. Espinosa/Todorovic (OCU) 7-5
2. Ramirez/Sandoval (GC) def. Hur/- (OCU) 6-2
3. Martin/Runestad (GC) lost 6-7 (2)
SINGLES
1. Ramirez (GC) def. Trembach (OCU) 1-6, 7-6 (2), 4-0 ret.
2. Hurtado (OCU) def. Ruegsegger (GC) 6-0, 6-1
3. Aristizabal (OCU) def. Salinas (GC) 6-2, 6-4
4. Puente (OCU) def. Sandoval (GC) 6-3, 3-6, 6-2
5. Sparks (OCU) def. Runestad (GC) 7-5, 6-0
6. Todorovic (OCU) def. Martin (GC) 6-1, 6-1